Carex polyantha

River Sedge

Densely tufted sedge spreading from long underground stems. Flowering stems erect, rough above, 3-angled to 80cm high, leafy bract longer than flowerhead.

Additional information

• FamilyCyperaceae
• StoreyLower storey
• Size0.2-0.8 m high
• Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
• LeavesLeaves 4-9 mm wide, similar length to flowering stems. Sheath orange-brown, appendage pointed to blunt, notched.
• Flower colourDark red-brown
• Flowering timeSpring to Summer
• FlowersErect flowerhead 10-55 cm long with 5-8 scattered stalkless spikes 2-17 cm long, 1 per node; upper 1-5 spikes male, or female below; lower spikes female or with male above. Fruit red-dotted, style 2-branched.
• Bird attractingNo
• Butterfly attractingNo
• Frog habitatYes
• Growing conditionsMoist sandy to rocky soils on stream margins of foothills. Full sun, semi shade.
• Garden usePlant beside water areas or in bog gardens.
• Commercially availableNo information available
• Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from few local sites. Scattered sites mostly in Gippsland.
• Related speciesSimilar to Carex gaudichaudiana (see Aquatics). Fruit of C. polyantha tapers abruptly and has a distinctive parallel-sided tip, while the fruit of C. gaudichaudii tapers gradually and has a notched tip.

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